Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of operating a node, comprising: under control of circuitry of the node configured to execute the method: identifying a particular multicast group to join, based on input from an application running on the node; configuring a multicast report, the multicast report including the particular multicast group indicated by the input; periodically refreshing the multicast report to include groups of interest to applications running on the node; overhearing multicast reports sent by nodes within transmission range of the node; and periodically transmitting the multicast reports according to a frequency of transmission that is based on a number of the overheard multicast reports that request to join multicast groups indicated by the periodically transmitted multicast report.
A node in a network determines its multicast group interests based on applications running on it. It creates a multicast report indicating these groups and periodically updates this report. The node listens to multicast reports from neighboring nodes. It then transmits its own multicast reports at a frequency determined by how many of those overheard reports request the same multicast groups. This balances bandwidth usage with the need to request data for those multicast groups.
2. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: receiving multicast reports from downstream nodes; and periodically refreshing the multicast report to additionally include groups of interest to the downstream nodes as indicated by the received multicast reports.
The multicast method from the previous description further includes receiving multicast reports from nodes located downstream in the network. The node updates its own multicast report to include multicast groups that those downstream nodes are interested in, as indicated by their reports. The node then transmits its own multicast reports at a frequency determined by how many overheard reports request the same multicast groups and the number of downstream requests. This ensures the node forwards data required by itself and its downstream nodes.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein periodically transmitting the multicast report comprises: transmitting the multicast report to a parent of the node based on a frequency of the overheard multicast reports.
In the described multicast method, the node sends its periodically transmitted multicast reports to its "parent" node in the network. The frequency of these transmissions is based on how often the node hears multicast reports from other nodes. This ensures that the parent node is informed of the node's group interests and those of its downstream nodes, based on observed network activity.
4. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: measuring a number of copies of a multicast data packet overheard, wherein the multicast data packet was indicated in the periodically transmitted multicast report; retransmitting the multicast data packet at least once if indicated by a multicast forwarding state of the node, the forwarding state indicating need to forward multicast data, in response to retransmission of multicast data packets; and retransmitting the multicast data packet a number of additional times based on the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard.
The described multicast method also involves a node monitoring how many copies of a multicast data packet it hears for a multicast group it requested. If the node's forwarding state indicates it should forward multicast data, it retransmits the packet at least once. It then retransmits the packet additional times, based on the number of copies it overheard. This increases the likelihood that downstream nodes receive the data, particularly if the initial transmission fails.
5. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: recording unique sequence numbers of multicast data packets, the multicast data packets indicated in the periodically transmitted multicast report; decreasing a number of retransmissions of multicast data packets that were identified by the recording as being received above a first threshold number of times; increasing a number of retransmissions of multicast data packets that were identified by the recording as being received below a second threshold number of times; and increasing a number of forwarding states among upstream nodes, the forwarding states indicating need to forward multicast data, in response to retransmission of multicast data packets, identified by the recording, received below a third threshold number of times.
In the multicast method, the node records the unique sequence numbers of received multicast data packets for requested groups. If a packet is received more than a first threshold of times, the node reduces the number of times it retransmits that packet. Conversely, if a packet is received fewer than a second threshold of times, the node increases the number of retransmissions. If the number of retransmissions is below a third threshold, the upstream nodes forwarding state is increased. This dynamically adjusts retransmission behavior based on observed packet reception rates, improving reliability and reducing redundancy.
6. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: recognizing a change in a status of a downstream node, wherein the downstream node is configured as a multicast receiver downstream of the node, and wherein the downstream node contributed to the multicast report; sending a query to other downstream nodes, in response to the recognized change, asking for a report of desired multicast data groups; and sending subsequent queries according to a probability that is reduced based on a number of reports heard in response to the query sent and in response to subsequent queries sent.
This multicast method also handles changes in downstream node status. When a node detects a change in status of a downstream multicast receiver contributing to the multicast report, it sends a query to other downstream nodes asking for their desired multicast data groups. Subsequent queries are sent with a decreasing probability, depending on the number of reports received in response to the initial and subsequent queries. This optimizes multicast forwarding by adapting to dynamic network conditions and avoiding unnecessary queries.
7. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising: receiving information, including a leave packet, indicating a node has left a multicast group, or evidence of a broken link, associated with a downstream node that has contributed to the multicast report; sending a query to other downstream nodes in response to the received information asking for a report of desired multicast data groups; transmitting subsequent queries at a rate based on a density of multicast receivers and multicast forwarders that are downstream from the node and based on a period of time following the query or the subsequent queries without receipt of a report; and expiring a multicast forwarding state of the node if the period of time exceeds a threshold.
The described multicast method handles nodes leaving multicast groups or link failures. If a node receives information (like a "leave" packet or broken link indication) related to a downstream node contributing to the multicast report, it sends a query to other downstream nodes to discover desired multicast data groups. Subsequent queries are sent at a rate based on the density of multicast receivers and forwarders downstream, and the time since the last report. The node's multicast forwarding state expires if no reports are received within a threshold time, stopping unnecessary forwarding.
8. Circuitry for operating a node, the circuitry configured to perform acts comprising: measuring a number of copies of a multicast data packet overheard during a period of time; retransmitting the multicast data packet at least once if indicated by a multicast forwarding state of the node, the forwarding state indicating need to forward multicast data; and retransmitting the multicast data packet a number of additional times based on the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard during the period of time.
This involves circuitry in a network node that measures how many copies of a multicast data packet it overhears within a time period. If the node's forwarding state requires it to forward multicast data, it retransmits the packet at least once. Furthermore, the circuitry retransmits the packet additional times based on the number of copies of the multicast packet overheard. This approach seeks to improve reliability.
9. The circuitry of claim 8 , the acts additionally comprising: increasing a number of upstream nodes in forwarding states, the forwarding states indicating need to forward multicast data, if the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard is below a threshold number.
The circuitry described previously also functions to increase the number of upstream nodes that are in a forwarding state if the number of overheard copies of a multicast data packet is below a certain threshold. The forwarding state indicates the need to forward multicast data. This is intended to ensure that data is reliably distributed throughout the network.
10. The circuitry of claim 8 , wherein retransmitting the data multicast packet the number of additional times based on the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard comprises: if the node hears more than X times a forwarding robustness value of the multicast data packet, the node reduces an overheard robustness value by a factor of Y; and if the node hears less than Z times the forwarding robustness value of the multicast data packet, the node increases the overheard robustness value by a factor of W; wherein the forwarding robustness value is a number of multicast data packet retransmissions to be transmitted by the node, wherein the overheard robustness value is a threshold value of overheard multicast packets beyond which the forwarding robustness value is decreased, and wherein X, Y, Z and W are real valued factors based on a network within which the node is located.
In the prior description, the number of retransmissions is adjusted based on the number of overheard packets. If the node hears the "forwarding robustness value" of a packet more than X times, the "overheard robustness value" is reduced by Y. Conversely, if the node hears the "forwarding robustness value" less than Z times, the "overheard robustness value" is increased by W. The "forwarding robustness value" is the desired number of retransmissions, and "overheard robustness value" is a threshold for overheard packets. X, Y, Z, and W are tunable factors.
11. The circuitry of claim 8 , the acts additionally comprising: configuring a multicast report, the multicast report including at least one group for which data within the multicast data packet is desired; periodically refreshing the report to include all groups of interest to applications running on the node; and periodically transmitting the report upstream according to a frequency based on a number of overheard reports during a period of time and based on groups included in the overheard reports.
The circuitry also configures a multicast report that includes at least one group for which the node desires data contained within a multicast data packet. The report is periodically refreshed to include all groups of interest to applications running on the node. The report is then transmitted upstream at a frequency based on the number of overheard reports during a period of time and the groups included within the overheard reports.
12. The circuitry of claim 8 , the acts additionally comprising: configuring a multicast report, the multicast report including at least one group for which data is desired by an application running on the node and for which data is included in the multicast data packet; overhearing reports sent by other nodes, the overheard reports requesting membership in the group for which data is desired by the application running on the node; and transmitting the multicast report to a parent node of the node, the transmitting based on a frequency of the overheard reports and based on groups included in the overheard reports.
The circuitry configures a multicast report with groups desired by local applications and for which data is in a multicast data packet. The node listens for reports from other nodes requesting membership in the same groups. It then transmits its own multicast report to its parent node. This transmission is based on the frequency of the overheard reports and the groups included in them, ensuring data is routed appropriately.
13. The circuitry of claim 8 , the acts additionally comprising: recognizing a change in a status of a node configured as a multicast receiver downstream of the node and configured to receive the multicast packet; sending a query to downstream nodes in response to the recognized change in status, the query asking for a report of desired multicast data groups; and sending subsequent queries if indicated by a probability that the change in the status of the node indicates a need to discontinue multicast forwarding, the probability being reduced in response to a number of reports heard in response to the query sent and in response to subsequent queries sent.
The circuitry detects status changes in downstream multicast receivers of multicast packets. In response, it sends a query to downstream nodes asking for reports of desired multicast data groups. Subsequent queries are sent if a probability calculation indicates the change suggests discontinued multicast forwarding is needed. The probability is reduced based on the number of reports received, optimizing forwarding based on network changes.
14. The circuitry of claim 8 , the acts additionally comprising: receiving information, including a leave packet or evidence of a broken link, associated with a downstream node, the downstream node configured to receive the multicast packet; sending a query to other downstream nodes in response to the received information asking for a report of desired groups associated with multicast data; transmitting subsequent queries according to a rate based on a density of multicast receivers and multicast forwarders that are downstream from the node; and expiring a multicast forwarding state of the node if a period of time following the query or the subsequent queries without receipt of a report exceeds a threshold.
The circuitry receives information about downstream nodes, like "leave" packets or broken link indications, which were intended to receive multicast packets. The circuitry responds by sending a query to other downstream nodes requesting reports of desired multicast data. Subsequent queries are sent at a rate based on the density of multicast receivers and forwarders downstream. If no report is received after a query or subsequent queries exceeding a time threshold, the multicast forwarding state expires.
15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform acts comprising: receiving information at a node including a leave packet or evidence of a broken link associated with a node downstream of the node; sending a query to other nodes downstream of the node, the query sent in response to the received information and asking for a report of desired groups associated with multicast data; transmitting subsequent queries according to a rate based on a density of multicast receivers and multicast forwarders that are downstream from the node; and expiring the multicast forwarding state in the node if a period of time following the query, or the subsequent queries, exceeds a threshold without receipt of a report, the expiring of the forwarding state indicating that there is no need to forward multicast data for a multicast group.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform actions on a node including receiving information (like a "leave" packet or broken link) about a downstream node. In response, the node sends a query to other downstream nodes asking for reports of desired multicast data groups. Subsequent queries are transmitted at a rate based on the density of multicast receivers and forwarders downstream. If a response isn't received after a threshold time, the multicast forwarding state expires.
16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 , wherein sending the query to the node downstream of the node comprises: sending the query based on an initial probability that a link to nodes downstream of the node is broken; counting reports sent in response to the sent query; and reducing the initial probability for application to queries sent subsequent to the sent query, wherein an amount of a reduction in probability is based on a number of the counted reports.
In the previous media description, sending the query involves setting an initial probability that links to downstream nodes are broken. The node counts reports received in response to the query. The initial probability is then reduced for subsequent queries based on the number of reports counted. The probability of future queries is reduced with each sent query, which is based on the number of counted reports.
17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 , wherein sending the query to the node downstream of the node comprises: sending the query based on an initial probability; counting reports sent in response to the sent query; and reducing the initial probability of queries sent subsequently to the sent query, wherein the reports counted are associated with a factor by which the initial probability is reduced, and wherein the factor does not reduce the initial probability below a minimum level.
In the previous description, sending the query is based on an initial probability. The system counts reports received in response to the query and reduces the initial probability for subsequent queries. The reduction is associated with a factor, but this factor ensures the probability does not fall below a defined minimum level. This prevents the query probability from dropping to zero and preventing necessary queries.
18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 , additionally including instructions to cause one or more processors to perform acts comprising: configuring a multicast report, the multicast report including at least one group for which data is desired within a multicast data packet; periodically refreshing the report to include all multicast groups of interest to applications running on the node; and periodically transmitting the report upstream at a frequency based on a number of overheard reports during a period of time and based on groups included in the overheard reports.
The computer-readable medium from the previous description also includes instructions to configure a multicast report, which includes groups for which data is desired in multicast data packets. The report is periodically refreshed with all multicast groups of interest to applications. This report is transmitted upstream at a frequency based on the number of overheard reports and the groups in them.
19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 , additionally including instructions to cause one or more processors to perform acts comprising: configuring a multicast report, the multicast report including at least one group for which data is desired by an application running on the node and at least one group for which data is desired by at least one downstream node; overhearing reports sent by other nodes, the overheard reports requesting membership in the group for which data is desired by the application running on the node and requesting membership in the group for which data is desired by the at least one downstream node; and transmitting the multicast report to a parent node of the node, the transmitting based on a frequency of the overheard reports and based on groups included in the overheard reports.
The computer-readable medium from the previous description also includes instructions to configure a multicast report for groups desired by local applications and groups desired by downstream nodes. The node overhears reports from other nodes requesting membership in those groups. The multicast report is then transmitted to a parent node, based on the frequency of overheard reports and the groups they contain.
20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15 , additionally including instructions to cause one or more processors to perform acts comprising: measuring a number of copies of a multicast data packet that are overheard, the multicast data packet being indicated by the multicast report; retransmitting the multicast data packet at least once if indicated by a multicast forwarding state of the node, the retransmitting sending the multicast data packet at least to the node downstream of the node; retransmitting the multicast data packet a number of additional times based on the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard; and increasing a number of upstream nodes in forwarding states if the number of copies of the multicast data packet overheard is below a threshold number, the increased number of forwarding states indicating increased numbers of nodes forwarding multicast data groups.
The computer-readable medium from the previous description also measures copies of overheard multicast data packets indicated by the multicast report. The packet is retransmitted at least once if the node's forwarding state indicates, even if to a downstream node. It's retransmitted additional times based on the number of overheard copies. If the number of overheard copies is below a threshold, more upstream nodes are put into a forwarding state, increasing the number of nodes forwarding the data.
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August 12, 2014
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